Fundraiser started for Tuskegee University shooting victim La’Tavion

Eighteen-year-old La’Tavion Johnson was tragically shot during homecoming weekend at Tuskegee University. He had been on the verge of beginning a promising career with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

A GoFundMe fundraiser been started to help the Johnson family during this difficult time.

“La’Tavion’s life was all about family, love, and giving back. His mother fondly calls him her “mama’s boy,” and his father lovingly remembers his “lively soul,” the fundraiser reads.

What happened to La’Tavion Johnson?

Johnson was visiting the school on Nov. 9, the day of the university’s homecoming football game, and took part in evening festivities, when he was tragically shot and killed.

Sixteen others, including 12 people who were shot, were hurt, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said in a Nov. 11 news release.

The violence came during the university’s 100th homecoming week.

Jaquez Myrick, 25, was arrested Nov. 10 for possessing a Glock that included an invisiswitch, which converts firearms to automatic weapons. Myrick has not been charged with shooting anyone.

A hero

Johnson’s parents, Tamika and Larry Johnson Jr., told AL.com that their son was a “hero” and was killed while pushing a girl away from gunfire.

“La’Tavion’s life was all about family, love, and giving back. His mother fondly calls him her “mama’s boy,” and his father lovingly remembers his “lively soul”, the GoFundMe reads.

La’Tavion Johnson wrongful death lawsuit

The parents are suing Tuskegee University and up to 45 unknown defendants who may be legally responsible for the death, reports the Montgomery Advertiser.

The wrongful death lawsuit includes two security companies – International Protection Investigation Agency LLC and JLL Americas Inc. – plus former Tuskegee University Police Chief Terrance Calloway and one of the men who has been arrested.

The lawsuit alleges the university, the agency, Calloway and Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc. “were aware of a number of violent occurrences at the campus of Tuskegee University, including discharge of firearms, physical threats and acts of physical violence,” according to the lawsuit.

“Despite the known acts of violent activity at Tuskegee University’s campus, and/or near its vicinity, the defendants provided open access to Tuskegee University’s campus on November 10, 2024.”

La’Tavion Johnson GoFundMe fundraiser

A GoFundMe has been started to help the Johnson family during this difficult time.

According to the GoFundMe, the funds will go toward helping the family find stability as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss, allowing them to take time to grieve and to honor La’Tavion’s legacy without the added financial strain.

To donate or learn more, please visit the GoFundMe fundraiser.